China Promises Support For Iran As Israel Bombardir Lebanon

US Central Command Commander General Michael Erik Kurila and Israeli Army Chief of Staff IDF Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi in Tel Aviv in early September discussed military operations to Lebanon. (X IDF)

JAKARTA - China's main diplomat Wang Yi said his country promised to support Iran in maintaining security against "external forces" amid the incessant Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the promise was made by Wang when he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN's annual General Assembly in New York, Wednesday, September 25.

"[China] has always been a trusted partner," Wang said in a meeting quoted by AFP.

"China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity," he continued.

Wang also stressed that China opposes other countries interfering in Iran's internal affairs by imposing sanctions or pressure.

As for the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Shiite militant movement in Lebanon, which is supported by Iran, has increased in recent weeks.

Lebanon said Israeli attacks killed at least 558 people on Monday, September 23, the day it said was the bloodiest in Lebanon since the 1975-90 civil war.

China is known to be close to Iran, as well as its largest trading partner, and major buyer of Iranian oil.

The two countries often face Western pressure in the form of sanctions, most recently due to China-Iran's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.